Korean Job Discussion Forums

[scott]

space

[Hotuk]

I've noticed fewer postings for university jobs this season than in past winters. My totally uninformed opinion is this is because the economy's not great back home, and people are less reluctant to leave a job that pays a decent salary for 15-20 hours a week and a good vacation.

I doubt being an American has anything to do with it. Since you're in Korea now, you're really at an advantage because you can drop in on the schools personally. The only hitch is I doubt many people are around - they're all on vacation.

I'd try some schools that *aren't* posting for jobs (yet) - you might get ahead of the crowd. I got my position that way.

[rasta man]

given the nature of the US economy I think people are staying on at unis now longer than before. why go home to a job that is uncertian at best when you have the hours etc here?, the unis that are advertising are the ones that seem to have a huge turnover in teachers. My uni didn't hire anybody new for March, we all decided to stay and I think the people here are likely to stay for a while, I don't think there will be any openings here for a while.

Also remember enrollments are dropping this year there were more slots in unis than there were people taking the entrance exam. Its becoming a marketing scheme to get bodies now. Unis may be cutting back on staff given this and the slowing Korean economy

[kumuka]

It seems in my case and opinion, being a Yank doesn't matter. I had three offers from good unis (good is relative in Korea). Keep trying and go direct to the Uni, that worked for me. You need to stand out. Also, like someone else said, more people are staying at their current Unis as well.

[Boogie]

Half the teachers at my uni are american

[kumuka]

I dont believe they discriminate and will hire the best teacher. Im an American and had 3 Uni offers. The key is to start looking in November,December for the Spring semester. January is too late. Try to get in the process a couple of months prior to the beginning of each semester.

[VanIslander]

What are the experiences of Americans who are newbies to Korea these days?

I haven't met a single American teacher in over a year, among the dozen or so I've met.

Since the war in Iraq I have heard at least two Korean hogwan directors say they don't want to hire Americans, but want the American accent, hence they ask me if I know of any other Canadians interested.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

I'm Canadian and I just got hired at a uni in Seoul to start in March. 5 others were also hired at the same time, I know that at least two of them are American. So, yes, they are hiring Americans. Lord knows why.

[Alias]

My last school had 10 foreign teacher. All of them Canadian. It boasted that fact to new parents as well. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a degree of discrmination in the industry due to the outburst of anti-Americanism last year.

Still easy for an American to get a decent job in this country though.

[Derrek]

[osangrl]

I think you need to be more proactive in your search.....there are so many people looking for a good job right now....instead of just posting your availability, and waiting for offers....apply to some....do some searching on your own!

[Arthur Fonzerelli]

they are taking anyone with a pulse...

[lawyertood]

Also consider searching each university's home page. Some universities don't advertise on Dave's or elsewhere. Nationality should not matter so much as credentials. Doesn't hurt to be in the right place at the right time, either. Some universities don't hire until the last minute and some will have teachers who don't show up and have to scramble for a teacher or two. Good luck.